Official Review: Written in the Cards by Lauren Linwood
Posted: 07 Sep 2014, 17:49
[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Written in the Cards" by Lauren Linwood.]
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From reading just the first few chapters of Written In The Cards I was hooked to this story and interested to see how it would develop. The beginning offered so much in terms of shock, intrigue and humor that I was almost certain that reading on would allow for the discovery of one of those great unknown novels, that readers will be unable to stop discussing about for weeks on end. However upon actually finishing this book, I have conversely come to the conclusion that this book will likely leave readers feeling somewhat disappointed by the middle and completely let down by the almost anticlimactic ending.
The story charts the life of Maggie Rutherford-- a gorgeous but rebellious society girl who decides to forego her wedding to a pompous out-of-luck society groom to live out her dream of writing dime novels in the American West. Ben Morgan on the other hand, has lost everything he thinks he holds dear-- his family. Dealing with such loss, Ben turns to gambling and gambling one night, soon turns into a dangerous battle of pride which seals the fate of the entire book. Although Ben leaves this particular incident unharmed himself, he becomes a wanted man because of his actions and he now must escape the enigma that is Black Tex Lonnegan. So Ben runs to Abilene where he meets Maggie and instantly falls for her witty no-nonsense charm and beauty. But a dark cloud hangs over their relationship as Ben is unsure whether he can afford to give his heart to another woman after his painful loss. And Ben is even more uncertain about just how he and Maggie will be able to live a happy life when Black Tex Lonnegan is still on the hunt to personally ensure that Ben is buried six-feet under.
Although the beginning completely captured me, reading the middle section of the novel was very difficult and at times monotonous. There seemed to be no driving force behind it. Every scene that ostensibly could have been precise, punchy and straight to the point, tended to drag on and focus on inessential areas. In addition to this, I felt that the middle wholly neglected the creation of a build up to Black Tex Lonnegan and Ben Morgan's showdown. It was by far the most exciting story-line of the entire book, but in my opinion was rarely discussed in the middle and therefore I failed to engage with the novel as much as I expected to. Consequently rather than the ending being grand and eventful it verged on being lackluster. It seemed incredibly rushed and almost like it came out of nowhere. I further felt that it was lacking more controversy and a more dynamic twist with what could have happened in connection to Black Tex Lonnegan's character. But instead I got a very simple, uninspiring and readily predictable ending with only Jennie's partial involvement spurring any sort of emotion in me.
In regards to the romance element of this story, I did feel a spark between Maggie and Ben, which is important for any romance, however it was more of a 'candle flicker' than a full forced blazing fire type of passion. I found it interesting that Maggie commented that Ben was not a romantic and sweet kind of guy, when all I ever seemed to read about from then on was him addressing Maggie with cheesy lines whereby he confessed his undying need for her. Moreover, separately I didn't think Ben had enough 'masculine charm' and ruggedness to be an appealing romance hero, I ended the novel unsure of his true personality. But I did admire Maggie as a strong female heroine who knew what she wanted and always went for it. I must also commend the author on her ability to bring the secondary characters to life which is a rare feet for most authors. Rather bizarrely, I actually preferred reading about them than the main characters. The author's ability to decorate said characters with their own unique stories and interesting dramas without being too overbearing perfectly balanced Ben and Maggie's story lines. Richard was hilarious and by far my favorite character to read about due to his actions being so comical. I also loved the way Maggie handled him. I further admired Jennie's character and felt for her deeply.
I thus give this book a 2 out of 4 stars. I don't think the story delivered enough impact to allow the beginning to carry through to a momentous impacting ending. However I was awed by the author's ability to intricately detail every character to add depth to the story beyond Maggie and Ben's immediate lives.
***
Buy "Written in the Cards" on Amazon
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The story charts the life of Maggie Rutherford-- a gorgeous but rebellious society girl who decides to forego her wedding to a pompous out-of-luck society groom to live out her dream of writing dime novels in the American West. Ben Morgan on the other hand, has lost everything he thinks he holds dear-- his family. Dealing with such loss, Ben turns to gambling and gambling one night, soon turns into a dangerous battle of pride which seals the fate of the entire book. Although Ben leaves this particular incident unharmed himself, he becomes a wanted man because of his actions and he now must escape the enigma that is Black Tex Lonnegan. So Ben runs to Abilene where he meets Maggie and instantly falls for her witty no-nonsense charm and beauty. But a dark cloud hangs over their relationship as Ben is unsure whether he can afford to give his heart to another woman after his painful loss. And Ben is even more uncertain about just how he and Maggie will be able to live a happy life when Black Tex Lonnegan is still on the hunt to personally ensure that Ben is buried six-feet under.
Although the beginning completely captured me, reading the middle section of the novel was very difficult and at times monotonous. There seemed to be no driving force behind it. Every scene that ostensibly could have been precise, punchy and straight to the point, tended to drag on and focus on inessential areas. In addition to this, I felt that the middle wholly neglected the creation of a build up to Black Tex Lonnegan and Ben Morgan's showdown. It was by far the most exciting story-line of the entire book, but in my opinion was rarely discussed in the middle and therefore I failed to engage with the novel as much as I expected to. Consequently rather than the ending being grand and eventful it verged on being lackluster. It seemed incredibly rushed and almost like it came out of nowhere. I further felt that it was lacking more controversy and a more dynamic twist with what could have happened in connection to Black Tex Lonnegan's character. But instead I got a very simple, uninspiring and readily predictable ending with only Jennie's partial involvement spurring any sort of emotion in me.
In regards to the romance element of this story, I did feel a spark between Maggie and Ben, which is important for any romance, however it was more of a 'candle flicker' than a full forced blazing fire type of passion. I found it interesting that Maggie commented that Ben was not a romantic and sweet kind of guy, when all I ever seemed to read about from then on was him addressing Maggie with cheesy lines whereby he confessed his undying need for her. Moreover, separately I didn't think Ben had enough 'masculine charm' and ruggedness to be an appealing romance hero, I ended the novel unsure of his true personality. But I did admire Maggie as a strong female heroine who knew what she wanted and always went for it. I must also commend the author on her ability to bring the secondary characters to life which is a rare feet for most authors. Rather bizarrely, I actually preferred reading about them than the main characters. The author's ability to decorate said characters with their own unique stories and interesting dramas without being too overbearing perfectly balanced Ben and Maggie's story lines. Richard was hilarious and by far my favorite character to read about due to his actions being so comical. I also loved the way Maggie handled him. I further admired Jennie's character and felt for her deeply.
I thus give this book a 2 out of 4 stars. I don't think the story delivered enough impact to allow the beginning to carry through to a momentous impacting ending. However I was awed by the author's ability to intricately detail every character to add depth to the story beyond Maggie and Ben's immediate lives.
***
Buy "Written in the Cards" on Amazon